Dedicated to supporting young carers and young people affected by drug/alcohol issues in their family.

A young carer is a child or young person who provides substantial unpaid care for a relative who has disabilities, long-term physical illnesses, mental health difficulties and/or drug or alcohol issues.

We believe it’s the right of every young carer to be recognised in their role and have the same opportunities as other children and young people of a similar age.

Help for young people
We offer support to children and young people aged 8-25 who live in Sheffield and:

provide care for one or more family members who have disabilities, long-term physical illnesses, or mental illnesses are affected by drug and alcohol issues in their family (now or in the past).

We also offer help for adults being supported by a young carer in their family. If you need some help, you can contact us to talk things through or apply to SYC by filling in our referral form. We do have a waiting list at the moment, but we will get back to you as soon as we can!

While you're waiting for support from SYC, or if you decide you don't want to join, we also have lots of information about organisations and websites that can help you. To take a look, click here.

We also produce a newsletter with information and opportunities for young people and their families. Sign up here!

Help for families
SYC's Family Project is available for adults who have long-term physical illnesses, mental illnesses, disabilities and/or substance misuse issues who are being supported by a young carer in their family.

We offer families intensive one-to-one support through 12 home visits, with the aim of reducing the caring that the young person is taking on and improving life for the whole family.

We offer support on a wide range of issues including:

• re-engaging into substance misuse or mental health services

• resolving housing issues

• budgeting

• accessing small pots of funding

• training around parenting

• overcoming conflict within the family.

We also offer high-quality group support to help parents develop new skills and knowledge around topics like volunteering and money management.

Our Parent Networking Events help parents to meet other adults in similar situations, allowing them to share experiences and enjoy some respite from home. We offer transport to and from these events where needed.